Chapter 16 - Wronged

Ruby Red Eyes.

"Kael... This... I..."

I don't know why but I was at a loss of words for some reason. I didn't need to explain to him why I was holding Esmeralda by her hair.

But... What could I do of that part of me that so desperately didn't wish to be misunderstood?

Would he be like everyone else and turn away from me?

"Let me go, Lady Evelina!"

My eyes closed in frustration as I felt someone's hand on mine. The same hand which held Esmeralda by her hair.

Electricity coursed through me as my eyes opened to look into Kael's.

"Let her go."

Those three words shattered my entire world.

Did he care about her more than me? Then, what the f**k was all that care in morning? What... changed? Did I do something wrong?

"Lina, let her go."

No! Don't call me Lina when you aren't going to take my side!

"What if I don't?"

Tears welled up, blurring the edges of Kael's face, but I refused to let them fall. I refused to show him even a fraction of the storm clawing its way through my chest. My fingers tightened in Esmeralda's hair, nails biting into my own palm.

Why did everyone I trust had to hurt me? What sort of crime had I committed to deserve this?

Kael's expression shifted... something unreadable flickered in those deep, steady eyes. Pity? Anger? I hated it. I hated all of it.

I didn't need anyone's pity. I wasn't... weak.

"Lina." His voice was softer now, but it only made the ache worse. "Please."

Please?

He thought a single fucking word would be enough? After tearing through me like this? After making me feel like I was nothing? After taking Esmeralda's side when he made me think he was on mine!?

A bitter laugh slipped past my lips.

First Wei. Then, him. Men are all the same.

"Lina... Come here."

"No."

Kael's jaw tensed. His hand twitched, like he wanted to reach for me but held himself back. Good. Let him hesitate. Let him feel even a fraction of the torment clawing through me.

"Lina…" His voice was quieter this time, almost pleading. Almost.

But I wasn't falling for that. Not again.

I let go of Esmeralda with a sharp push, sending her stumbling to the ground. She gasped, hands shaking as she cradled her head, but I didn't care. Let her tremble. Let her feel.

Kael took a step toward me.

I stepped back.

His brows furrowed. "You're being unreasonable, Lina."

Unreasonable?

A humorless smile curled on my lips, my chest tightening with something sharp and bitter.

Unreasonable was trusting him. Unreasonable was thinking, even for a moment, that he would stand by me.

"You're just like them," I whispered, voice cold. "All of you."

Kael stiffened. "Lina, that's not—"

"Save it." My fingers curled into fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palm. "You made your choice, Prince Kael. I hope she was worth it."

Yeah. I need to go back to my world. There's no reason to stay here. At least, I can have my revenge on Han Wei there.

"My my! Brother, how can you make such a pretty lady cry?"

So annoying.

My eyes turned around to look at Adrain's stupid face. His hand was holding out a handkerchief for me.

"Leave, Adrian."

Kael walked in front of me, blocking me from accepting Adrian's handkerchief. Not like I was going to accept it. But, still...

"HIS MAJESTY, THE EMPEROR AND HER MAJESTY, THE EMPRESS ARE ENTERING THE BALL!"

Kael's posture was tense, his back straightening as the royal announcement echoed through the grand hall. His fingers twitched at his sides, but he didn't move to touch me again.

Adrian, ever the nuisance, let out a low whistle, his golden eyes flickering between me and his dear older brother.

"Well, this is awkward," he murmured, tilting his head. "Brother, you sure you don't want to fix this before the entire ballroom starts whispering?"

Kael exhaled sharply. "Stay out of this, Adrian."

Adrian smirked. "Oh, but I love drama. And this?" He gestured between us with a lazy flick of his wrist. "This is absolutely delicious."

I could feel the weight of a hundred eyes pressing down on me now, murmurs growing as nobles craned their necks to watch the scene unfold.

But I didn't give a damn. Let them talk. Let them see. Since when was it the villainess's job to care about what 4 people think or say?

Kael took a single step toward me. "Lina—"

"Don't." My voice was sharp, cutting through the noise like a blade. "Not here. Not now. Especially not after you told me to let Countess Esmeralda to go without asking me why I grabbed her by her hair in first place? Do I look stupid to you, Your Highness?"

Something flickered in his expression. Hurt? Regret? I didn't care. I couldn't afford to.

Adrian, the bastard, actually clapped.

"Oh, this is why I like you," he mused. "How about you dump my brother and come stand next to me instead? I'll make sure no one makes you cry, Lina."

Kael shot him a glare so sharp it could've killed a lesser man. "Adrian, I swear to—"

"Swear to what, dear brother?" Adrian interrupted, his voice dripping with mock innocence. "Swear that you won't stand by and let your precious girl get humiliated in front of the entire court?" His smirk widened. "Oh wait—too late."

Kael's entire frame went rigid. I turned away before I could see more.

Having a misunderstanding with Kael was far better than becoming Adrain's mistress at least till I can go back to my world.

"Prince Adrain, I did not give you the liability to call me Lina. It would be nice if you stick to Lady Evelina."

"Lady-"

The heavy doors at the far end of the ballroom groaned open, and a hush fell over the crowd as the Emperor and Empress finally made their entrance.

Everyone bowed and so did I.

"Welcome to the birthday ball of the Empress. Along with the ball, I would love to announce the betrothal of my son, Prince Kael to Lady Evelina. Let the ball begin!"

What!?